Private Vows in The Laity/Spirituality

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Aleteia

https://aleteia.org/2017/12/09/lexi-walkers-enchanting-reimagined-mash-up-of-ave-maria-and-o-holy-night/?utm_campaign=NL_en&utm_source=daily_newsletter&utm_medium=mail&utm_content=NL_en

 

 

Music

Lexi Walker’s enchanting reimagined mash-up of “Ave Maria” and “O Holy Night”

 

Her last note will leave you breathless.

Lexi Walker joined The Piano Guys for this mind blowing reimagining of “Ave Maria”‘s melody with the lyrics of “O Holy Night.” Of course, the melody for “O Holy Night” makes an appearance at the end, because why wouldn’t you want that beautiful high note? At just 15 years old, Lexi gives a mind-blowing performance and, with effortless skill, makes her way through the difficult melody, which left us breathless by the end.

The Piano Guys describe the inspiration behind this arrangement on YouTube:

O Holy Night has graced Christmas for 170 years since its inception. It has earned a place among the greatest carols of all time. But such fame can breed vapid familiarity. 170 years of airtime can acclimate the ear so much that we may not feel the Holiness of O Holy Night as perhaps we once did. Unless, perhaps, its transcendent lyrics were cast into a new mold? A mold created by, none other than, J.S. Bach.

The Piano Guys are an American musical group consisting of a pianist, cellist, videographer, and music producer. The group originated as a social media strategy to promote one of the members’ piano store, but the group found they worked so well together that they began to release music videos. In August, 2016, they surpassed 1 billion views of their videos on YouTube. They have released seven studio albums.

[Guest]

 

The following quotation from the Letter to the Philippians contains tonight's Reading at Vespers:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness 5 should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0839/__P10I.HTM

[Guest]

Really busy time and probably for all these two weeks before Christmas.  I will try to post at least one post daily into this thread. 

My difficulties have increased - a prayer would be really valued and appreciated.

 

[Guest]

 

Blessed Ludwik was arrested by the Nazis and transferred to a number of camps, finally to Auschwitz.  He was martyred by the Nazis. https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-ludwik-bartosik/

 

__________________

I almost put my foot right in things yesterday by making a decision while in an emotional state.  Thankfully, Deo Gratius Laudate Dominum, I held back from carrying that decision through.  Today emotions have settled and I can see just what a mess of things I would have made if I had carried out my decision of yesterday.  I asked for prayer and thank you, prayer answered.

It is not the first time I have learnt the lesson of not making decision while in an emotional state, but I just keep on nudging that mistake and too closely for comfort.  Will I learn this time!  I am hoping I will have done so and with a prayer.

Buddie is coughing again and waiting to hear from the vet.  After I phone the vet, he stops coughing.  I keep wondering if Buddie could possibly be playing me

[Era Might]

On 12/8/2017 at 8:40 PM, BarbaraTherese said:

Great quote.

[Guest]

....AND MORE

Quite some time back, I had occasion to speak with a parishioner on a private and personal matter of mine, asking that our conversation be regarded as personal and confidential. That "other person" I confided to struck me as a very kind and considerate person who is active in the parish.  I now realise probably a year or so since I first confided, that I had been talking to probably the biggest microphone in the parish!    ... and that scares me silly.

Ahhh parish politics and cowards who fear them!

Dear Lord, please help me overcome my cowardice and vulnerability to intimidation - and with the intercession of Your mother.  Amen.

Tuum fiat voluntas

_______

My private psychiatrist, with whom I have spoken about my difficulty in making friends in this parish and suburb, put me in touch with Public Mental Health for social support.  I am truly amazed at how helpful they are and always at their cost.  This is an absolutely huge step tremendously from where PMH was at when I left them to see my doctor privately some 8 years ago since I shifted here.

Yesterday I went to lunch with my group at a very nice hotel.  The lunch was paid for as well as taxi there and back by PMH.  It was the first time I met the people who will be in my group in 2018.  Amazing people and very friendly and warm.  It is wonderful too to be in touch again with fellow mental illness sufferers - it is something I lost and grieved about when I transferred to a private psychiatrist.  I am totally grateful to be back socially among those with whom I have a close and long standing, established bond.

Laudate Dominum

I think I have caught up with my schedule for Christmas - Deo Gratius!

30 minutes ago, Era Might said:

Great quote.

Very true and opportune - I needed my attention drawn to the quote.  Thanks heaps.

These quotes etc. posted are really standards I should aspire towards, high bars established,  and never standards I have attained.  One might make the bar now and then and think one has arrived - not all that much later or so one discovers one has not.

Heaven will be such an absolute relief not having to struggle and battle daily.  When and if I get there, that is.  As my dearest Dad used to say "life is long and full of pitfalls".

I recognised the name of St Peter Fourier, but could not recall the story: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5366 .... our saints who experienced failure are among my favourites.  

[Guest]

I have just finished watching an almost hour long documentary on FoxtelGo.  It was an amazing and moving experience indicating scientifically that the tomb is probably indeed the tomb found by Constantine (scientific analysis of the mortar as dating back to around 300AD).  The tomb was in danger of falling and permission was granted to scientists to do the restore.  National Geographic was present to do the filming for posterity.  The documentary I watched was called simply "Events 31".

Here is the National Geographic report in text http://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/history/unsealing-of-christs-reputed-tomb-turns-up-new-revelations.aspx

I do hope that restoration will be able to be renewed over the years and centuries to preserve this wonder for generations to come.  It means so much to so many.

Series of video tours of central places, important to Christianity, in the life of Jesus

[Guest]

 

Quote

 

Those who denounce the doctrine of the second advent as speculative, fanciful and unpractical, would do well to reconsider the subject. The doctrine was not so regarded in the days of the apostles. In their eyes, patience, hope, diligence, moderation, personal holiness, were inseparably connected with an expectation of the Lord’s return. Happy is the Christian who has learned to think with them! To be ever looking for the Lord’s appearing is one of the best helps to a close walk with God. 
- J. C. Ryle

Shalom Place - Dominican Sisters of Peace

 

 

 

 

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Pope Francis:  Sunday Mass more than an Obligation

http://cathnews.com/cathnews/30990-sunday-mass-more-than-just-an-obligation-pope

 

 

Pope Francis: Do NOT Dialogue with Satan

https://aleteia.org/2017/12/12/pope-do-not-dialogue-with-satan/?utm_campaign=NL_en&utm_source=daily_newsletter&utm_medium=mail&utm_content=NL_en

My tuppence: At the start, Satan will be polite, consoling even inspiring and encouraging.  Then when it knows it has you hooked in, it will slowly reveal itself as an insidious and fearful presence.

Edited December 14, 2017 by BarbaraTherese

[Guest]

The Advent Journey

Hope becomes Peace

Peace becomes Joy

Joy becomes Love

Love becomes Christ

 

(From our parish bulletin)

[Guest]

St. Jeanne de Valois, an 18th century painting
by A. Pradão from the Marian monastery in
Balsamao, Portugal.

 

CHAPLET
OF THE TEN EVANGELICAL VIRTUES
OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

   The Marians have recited this prayer since the time of approval of the Order (Marians of The Immaculate Conception) upon the “Rule of the Ten Evangelical Virtues of the B.V.M.” by Pope Innocent XII in 1699. Blessed Stanislaus Papczynski, Founder of the Marians, was the first to make his solemn vows on this rule in Warsaw, on June 6, 1701.

   To pray the Chaplet, use only 10 beads of a Rosary or a 10-bead chaplet. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, followed by one Our Father. Then on each of the 10 beads, pray one Hail Mary, adding after the words “Holy Mary, Mother of God...” one of the following virtues.

IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN.
Our Father who are in heaven...

 

Hail Mary full of Grace, The Lord is with you, blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus - Holy Mary, Mother of God, most pure, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.  Amen

1. Most pure,
2. Most prudent,
3. Most humble,
4. Most faithful,
5. Most devout,
6. Most obedient,
7. Most poor,
8. Most patient,
9. Most merciful,
10. Most sorrowful.

 

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit:
R. As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

V. In Your Conception, O Virgin Mary, You were Immaculate.
R. Pray for us to the Father whose Son, Jesus, you brought forth into the world.

Let us pray:

Father, You prepared the Virgin Mary to be the worthy mother of Your Son. You let her share beforehand in the salvation of Christ would bring by His death, and kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception. Help us by her prayers to live in Your presence without sin. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

V. The Virgin Mary's Immaculate Conception,
R. Be our Health and our Protection.

.

 

REFLECTION ON

THE VIRTUES

OF OUR BLESSED LADY

https://georgiabulletin.org/commentary/2016/01/a-reflection-on-the-virtues-of-mary/

[Guest]

The epidural injection in the base of my spine where the spinal canal is narrowed (spinal stenosis) pinching nerves (mainly down to my left leg) was a real piece of cake.  I think going to the dentist is far worse. 

Giving thanks for today.

One is not supposed to do strenuous activity for 48 hours (such as lifting etc.) There can be some discomfort or even pain until the steroid clicks in.   I did at last get the Christmas decorations up and prepared tomorrow for the last of the gifts to be wrapped.  I am now on course for Christmas with the last of the shopping for lunch being done on the 23rd.  The long range weather forecast says 25C degrees and ideal if it comes to fruition.  In South Australia with the weather most anything could happen.

It will be 2 to 9 days before the full affect of the steroid is experienced.  After that, some have no relief, some a couple of days, or a month or a year and all the in-betweens.  I will be hoping and praying for the best in accord with God's Will.

I put in a request into the Prayer Forum yesterday for dealing with false criticism.  I am now quite calm and resigned about it and still praying that I will be gracious, kind and humble about it until it is a situation past tense.  I am now peacefully resigned to God's Will in the situation no matter the result and I am hoping and praying that peaceful resignation will see me right through to the end of the matter.  Thank you very much for prayer.

There are other things I do that have nothing to do with my needs and hopes etc. but for others.  I tend not to post if it strikes me as too personal re the other person(s).  One doesn't need to be overly attuned to God's Will in the moments and days to be aware of the needs of others and potential responses in accord with His Will.   These moments are continual, always with us.

Rest and relaxation is also in accord with God's Will (our human nature needs it to recharge) and according to one's needs.  Some need a little, others need more.  I think that probably the important thing is not to compare oneself with others.  And my take on matters only.

Fiat Voluntas Tua

Deo Gratius.

Edited December 15, 2017 by BarbaraTherese

[Guest]

Jesus, "Light of Light"

 Man's Hope

Today, we breathe an atmosphere of expectation. The liturgy invites to hope, pointing on the horizon of history to the light of the Saviour who comes. This light was already manifest in the fullness of time. Therefore, our hope does not lack a foundation but is supported by an event situated in history, which at the same time exceeds history: the event constituted by Jesus of Nazareth. The Evangelist John applies to Jesus the title of "light": it is a title that belongs to God.

Christian hope is inseparably bound to knowledge of the Face of God, the face which Jesus —the Only-Begotten Son— revealed to us with His Incarnation, death and Resurrection. True and steadfast hope is founded on faith in God love, the Merciful Father, who "so loved the world that He gave His only Son", so that men might have life in abundance.

—Advent is a favourable time for the rediscovery of a hope that is not vague and deceptive, but certain and reliable, because it is "anchored" in Christ, God made man, the rock of our salvation.

---o0o---

 

http://evangeli.net/gospel (subscription to receive daily - go to far right top of page)

My subscriptions comprises two aspects.  Meditation on the daily Gospel and Theological type comment on same.

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MISSIONARY ROSARY

Obtain a Missionary Rosary very cheap: http://www.wearemissionary.org/world-mission-rosary-2/ (Society for the Propagation of The Faith - Chicago Mission Office)

As a sort of an improvising (my own improvising) in addition to the actual missionary rosary for each continent, one can also make 5 general intentions of one's own.  Mine will be:

1. For The Church and all priests especially my own parish priest, Fr..........
2. For religious and those publicly vowed.
3. For the married and all other vocations and calls, for all children.
4. For those who suffer in any way at all and for the dying, for the heartfelt repentance of those locked in sin as well as my own sinfulness.
5. That God's Will shall be done here on earth as in Heaven.  (Whenever I pray that passage, I think of "earth" as also being me, my body comprised of dust and alive here on earth ...  to this point anyway.)  

 

---o0o---

These rosaries are quite simple and lovely - and make excellent very low priced gifts to have on hand for any reason.  When I first came across the Missionary Rosary they were much more expensive. I only fell over the Chicago site today somehow and have ordered 3 pairs via Paypal.  There was no postage charged and I am wondering if they do not ship to Australia.  I could not find anything on the site.  I will hear one way or the other eventually and will advise if they only ship within the USA etc.  If they do ship to Australia at such a low price, I will be ordering more to have on hand as gifts.

 

[Guest]

 

Image on the door of the change room when I had the epidural injection yesterday.  The image was a drawing of a full grown baby in the womb - the babe looked anxious and with hands joined pleading.  The text for the baby said:

"Mum, please tell them I am here."

Edited December 16, 2017 by BarbaraTherese

[Guest]

Our Church is being refurbished.  Father has designed and carried through a most beautiful presentation of the front of our Church and the altar area.  The statement is "less is more".  We have better lighting, especially over the altar (I think celebrants had trouble reading at times due to poor lighting).  We have new fans through the whole Church and they are more efficient than the old ones.  We also have air conditioning now.  We are awaiting new carpet, which Father tells us will have a design in it (celtic cross)

But it is the whole front of The Church and altar area that is outstanding and exquisitely beautiful.  Statues of Our Lady and The Sacred Heart (now painted simple white)are raised about 8ft above the ground in the corners behind the altar with spotlights on all three.  The Blessed Sacrament has it's own special area on the right side of The Church - it is beautiful in its simplicity and is also spotlighted.

We are NOT a rich parish, in fact we struggle financially.  But good financial management by Father and our parish council has provided the funds for a desperately needed refurbishment of the Church.  Of course too, parishioners are wonderful in offering on a volunteer basis where their skills can assist.

There is on the left side of the front a blank spot and during Mass it occurred to me that we should have an image of St Monica, patron of our parish.  After Mass, I was by the rear door trying to sell the rest of Vinnies Christmas cards.  Father came up and I congratulated him on our beautiful refurbished Church.  I asked about that blank spot and what he had in mind.  He replied "I was thinking of an image of St Monica".  Really surprised, I said I had the same thought during Mass.   We have never had an image of St Monica in The Church.

So now I have the job of researching images of St Monica as a guide for Father and locating local (I hope) artists for a commission from him.

I have located a parish not far from me that has Adoration and also regular times for Confession.  I have re-arranged my budget cutting out all that I really can do without and I will be able to catch a cab there and back at least once or twice monthly.  Once for Adoration, the other for Confession.

I have asked a parishioner who has offered before to pick me up and bring me home for Wednesday weekday Mass in our parish.   It is obvious that I will not be able to do any visitations with Vinnies or any of the physical type work we need to do.  I will be on the Admin side only except for Badge Days (shaking the tins it has been called)when I can take my walker and sit on it shaking the Vinnies tin.

I would very much like to live a very quiet life of prayer and penance and hence am slowly working up to it as I envisage it.  Small steps to a bigger goal.

God bless!

 

[Guest]

 

O ANTIPHONS - 17TH DECEMBER

 

O Sapientia or O Wisdom (December 17)
O Wisdom (Sirach 24:3),
You came forth from the mouth of the Most High (Sirach 24:3), and reaching from beginning to end You ordered all things mightily and sweetly (Wisdom 8:1). * Come, and teach us the way of prudence (Isaiah 40:14).

[Guest]

O ANTIPHONS - 18th DECEMBER

 

O Adonai or O Lord and Ruler (December 18)
O Adonai (Exod 3:14)
and Ruler of the house of Israel (Matt 2:6; Micah 5:1; 2 Sam 5:2), You appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush (Exod 3:2) and on Mount Sinai gave him Your Law (Exod 20). * Come, and with an outstretched arm redeem us (Jeremiah 32:21).